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Temple Brith Achim

Temple Brith Achim, a Reform synagogue affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, began in 1971 as Brotherhood Temple Brith Achim, when a small group of families established a Jewish presence in the Valley Forge area. They dreamed of a place to worship, to celebrate the holidays and simchas together, to mourn their loved ones, and to teach their children about their heritage and to be comfortable with their Jewishness. They felt a deep love for Judaism and a high regard for its principles and traditions. But they also understood that a religion must be relevant to its people and the ever-changing world they live in.

For the first eleven years, we met at the Valley Forge Presbyterian Church and the Upper Merion Cultural Center, while using other local venues for services and religious school. Then, on September 12, 1982, we dedicated our first “real home” at 481 South Gulph Road, King of Prussia. At that time, we changed our name to “Temple Brith Achim.”

With our own building came our first full-time Reform rabbi, Rabbi David Cahn-Lipman, and membership growth so rapid -- especially among families with young children -- that the religious school had to institute double sessions.

In 1986, Rabbi Robert Ourach became our rabbi. In 1987, we expanded the existing building to meet the new programming needs of our rapidly growing and increasingly diverse congregation.

Now we have come to yet another crossroads: We must move forward if we are to stay vital and vibrant. So, supported and encouraged by Rabbi Eric Lazar (who became our rabbi in 2004), we are building a new wing to house the Center for Lifelong Learning and we are making improvements to our existing building.

It’s an exciting time for Temple Brith Achim, and we invite you to join us as we continue to explore our Jewish heritage and become the best we can be.